“It’ll be magnificent.” The apprentice breathed reverently. The
boy’s mind was filled with images of towering piers, painted frescoes and
gilded mosaics. They were building a masterpiece, the likes of which had never
been seen before on this small and rainy island. His imagination overflowed
with the myriad colours and textures of his native homeland. How these drab foreigners
would flock to admire such an exotic creation. His dreams took on the colour of
gold. The wealth and recognition such an endeavour would undoubtedly bring
might just be enough to impress a certain dark-eyed beauty.
“Alessandro...Alessandro!” His master called impatiently, startling
the boy from his thoughts. He opened his eyes and regarded the scowling
architect with dazed confusion. The tall man cradled the distinctive rolls of
parchment in the crook of one arm, whilst in his free hand he held a simple
spade. “Stop dawdling boy. The foundations won’t dig themselves.” The boy reached
for the spade. With a sigh of disappointment his shoulders slumped forward and he
scuffed his feet across the earth. The spade was a painful reminder that he was
not an architect yet. His young body was instead well suited to the labour of
many hours hard digging. The master turned back to him thoughtfully, a knowing
smile creasing his dark face.
“And Alessandro - This building has taken many years to
create and will take many more to finish. In time it will be you who will be
the architect to complete this great work. Dig well now and you will provide the
groundwork on which to create something truly magnificent.” The boy felt purpose
filling his very being and with new enthusiasm dashed towards the other
labourers, spade resting purposefully over one shoulder.
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